Magnesium plants in startup phase

Two new Canadian magnesium plants are in the startup phase. Norsk Hydro began a small-scale test operation toward the end of last year at its Becancour, Que., facility; full capacity of 40,000 tons per year is expected to be reached in the near future. Plans call for a gradual expansion of the plant’s capacity to 60,000 tons.

At High River, Alta., the Magnesium Co. of Canada Ltd. (MagCan) began operations in February. Plant capacity of 12,500 tons per year may be reached by June.

Prior to the new plants coming on stream, Canada’s sole primary magnesium producer was Timminco Ltd. at Haley, Ont., west of Ottawa.

Magnesium’s popularity in recent years has sprung from its die-casting applications in the automotive sector.